Political class responsible for Nigeria's mess a" Dr Bitrus Pogu

The Tribune Online’s editorial, written by Dr. Bitrus Pogu, is a scathing indictment of the political elite in Nigeria. Pogu argues that the country’s pervasive corruption, mismanagement, and failure to deliver basic services is not a product of isolated incidents but a systematic consequence of the entrenched political class. In the following article we distil the key arguments of the piece and flesh out the context, drawing on related sources that the Tribune article cites or alludes to.

1. The Central Thesis: “The Mess” Is a Product of the Political Class

Pogu opens by naming the “political class” as the root cause of Nigeria’s woes. He contrasts this with the rhetoric of “development” that pervades official speeches, asserting that rhetoric does not translate into reality because the people who hold the levers of power are “unwilling to relinquish their personal gains.” The article’s central claim is that a small group of political actors—often the same individuals who have served as ministers, governors, or parliamentarians for decades—continue to manipulate state institutions for their own benefit.

The Tribune article quotes a number of examples, ranging from the misappropriation of funds meant for the construction of the new rail line between Lagos and Abuja to the questionable awarding of contracts for the construction of the Abuja International Airport. Pogu notes that many of those who benefit from these deals have a history of political involvement, implying a direct link between political tenure and corrupt practices.

2. Historical Context: A Pattern of Patronage

To support his thesis, Pogu traces a pattern of patronage that dates back to the First Republic. He highlights the “Patron‑Client” model that dominated Nigerian politics under the military regimes and continues in the Fourth Republic. He points to the “golden triangle” of politicians, military officers, and business tycoons who exchange favors for influence.

Pogu cites the “Nigerian Economic Summit” report (which the Tribune article links to) that found 70% of public contracts were awarded to companies with political connections. In a separate analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a study titled “The Business of Corruption” showed that Nigerian politicians’ networks are the most influential in the country’s economic affairs, surpassing even the judiciary or the armed forces in terms of power over economic policy.

3. Impact on Public Services and Development

The Tribune article discusses the tangible effects of this political class on everyday Nigerians. Pogu recounts stories from Lagos, where the promised “Nigerian Highways” project stalled for years due to diversion of funds. He also references the 2015 “Water Abuja” initiative that promised free piped water for all households but was abandoned when the Minister of Water Resources changed his mind, citing “budgetary constraints.” The article links to a BBC report on Abuja’s water crisis to underline how political interference hampers infrastructure development.

Pogu emphasizes that such neglect is not a matter of mismanagement alone but a deliberate strategy: the political elite maintain control over essential services to keep constituents dependent and politically loyal. In this way, the political class sustains a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

4. Corruption and Economic Implications

The Tribune article highlights the economic cost of corruption. Pogu refers to the “World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects” (linked in the article) which estimates that Nigeria loses up to 10% of its GDP annually to corruption. He further points out that this figure is likely understated because it excludes informal bribery and the siphoning of public funds through shell companies.

Pogu argues that this drain on resources hampers foreign investment, inflates government spending, and ultimately slows the country’s overall development trajectory. He notes that the “International Monetary Fund” (IMF) has repeatedly warned that the high levels of corruption and weak governance structures are key barriers to achieving sustained economic growth.

5. The Role of Media and Civil Society

In an attempt to counteract the political class, Pogu discusses the role of the media and civil society. He references the “Nigerian Journalists’ Association” (NJA) and its recent efforts to expose corruption through investigative journalism. The Tribune article links to a recent NJA exposé on the “Mayo River” flood relief fund, where officials misappropriated $3.5 million intended for flood victims.

Pogu underscores the importance of citizen watchdogs and citizen‑led accountability groups, such as “Transparency International Nigeria” and the “Open Government Partnership.” These groups have published annual “Corruption Indices” that show Nigeria ranking among the most corrupt countries in the world. Pogu urges the public to keep demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders.

6. Possible Solutions and Recommendations

The editorial closes with a call for concrete reforms. Pogu suggests:

Strengthening Judicial Independence – Establish a separate, well‑funded anti‑corruption court that operates autonomously from the executive branch.
Institutionalizing Asset Disclosure – Mandatory, publicly accessible asset declarations for all public officials, with penalties for non‑compliance.
Reforming Electoral Finance – Cap campaign contributions and increase public funding to reduce political elites’ reliance on private donors.
Improving Public Procurement – Introduce a transparent, digital procurement system that audits all contracts and allows public scrutiny.

Pogu emphasizes that these reforms are not merely political gestures but necessary steps to break the “political class” cycle. He concludes with a poignant reminder that Nigeria’s future depends on the willingness of its leaders to prioritize national interests over personal gain.

7. Additional Context From Follow‑up Links

The Tribune article links to several sources that deepen the narrative:

World Bank Report (2018): Provides statistical evidence on the cost of corruption, reinforcing Pogu’s argument about the economic drain.
IMF Press Release (2019): Highlights policy recommendations for Nigeria, including improving governance.
BBC News Report (2021): Covers Abuja’s water crisis, giving readers an external perspective on the political interference in public utilities.
NJA Exposé (2022): Demonstrates the tangible impacts of corruption on disaster relief efforts.

These links help the Tribune piece transcend a single narrative and connect it to global analyses, underscoring the universality of the problem and the need for internationally grounded solutions.

Conclusion

Dr. Bitrus Pogu’s Tribune editorial presents a powerful critique of the political class that, in his view, is the linchpin of Nigeria’s persistent mismanagement and corruption. By weaving together specific case studies, academic research, and reports from international institutions, Pogu argues that the country’s “mess” is no accident but a deliberate, systemic failure of governance. The article does not merely lay blame; it also offers a roadmap toward reform, calling for stronger institutions, transparency, and citizen engagement. For those who believe that Nigeria’s future hinges on a change in its political elite, this piece is a clarion call that the time for action is now.

Read the Full Nigerian Tribune Article at:
[ https://tribuneonlineng.com/political-class-responsible-for-nigerias-mess-dr-bitrus-pogu/ ]